I learned that loving myself was far beyond loving my image in a mirror, my accomplishments, or anything else we attach ourselves to, in the physical world.

In fact, it has nothing to do with who we are,
it has to do with what we are made of and the energy that flows through us.

At the risk of sounding esoteric, when people realize their true nature - they usually say something like: oh, of course - I knew that deep down inside and had glimpses of it from time to time but I didn't pay attention, thinking it was just a fluke while paying attention to some negative story I told myself instead. But when we see that it isn't a fluke, it is with us all the time, we experience enormous relief and go on to live peaceful contented lives, perhaps even attracting a wonderful partner in the process of uncovering our own true nature.

What I learned opened a whole new world to me which simultaneously expanded who I am in the world. 

In short, this is what everyone is looking for whether they know it or not. I certainly did not know that I ​had a "true nature" beyond what I, or anyone else thought of me. 

I often receive email advertisements directed at single people who are suffering and it saddens me how much time and money people spend on techniques and strategies to find the right mate for themselves. It is not only unnecessary, in many cases, it is harmful because it is unnatural and inauthentic. And everyone can pick that up on a feeling level even if you think you are hiding it in order to play the game you were taught to play.

It’s an entirely different experience to marvel at the innate health and resiliency you were awarded with at birth. That is never lost, only forgotten.